PCH - The Platform Controller Hub Chipsets

With the Kaby Lake generation desktop processors comes yet again a new motherboard chipset. You can stick to the Series 100 Chipset from Intel but a series 200 is released as well. For end consumers like you and me the H270 chipset will be less performance targeted and comes with better support for HTPC monitor connectivity. The Z270 chipset however is targeted at mainstream performance and enthusiast end users allowing much more tweaking and providing performance features.

The 200-series chipset tied to the processor series is tagged under codename "Union Point," and will support Intel Optane SSDs and Rapid Storage Technology support for PCIe storage devices. Desktop processors based on Kaby Lake will use LGA 1151, the Skylake socket, and support TDPs from 35, 65 and 91W. The last model will obviously be an unlocked K series processor. The Kaby Lake platform for desktops will support USB 3.1 and DDR4, the laptop versions however will have to make do with USB 3.0 and DDR3. For Kaby Lake you do not need a new motherboard, if you already have an H or Z170 series chipset, upgrade your motherboard BIOS and you should be fine with the new processors.

Z270

Z170

H270

H170

SKU

Consumer

Consumer / Corporate

Support

Kaby Lake-S（7th Gen）/ Skylake-S（6th Gen）

CPU PCIe Configuration

1 x 16 or 2 x 8 or 1 x 8 + 2 x 4

1 x 16

Independent DisplayPort

3

Memory DIMMs

4

Overclocking

Yes

No

Intel SmartSound Technology

Yes

Intel Optane Technology

Yes

No

Yes

No

Intel Rapid Storage Technology

15

14

15

14

Intel Rapid Storage Technology fromPCIe Storage Drive Support

Yes

RAID 0、1、5、10

Yes

Intel Smart Response Technology

Yes

I/O Port Flexibility

Yes

Maximum High Speed I/O（HSIO）Lanes

30

26

30

22

Total USB Ports（Max USB 3.0）

14（10）

14（8）

Max SATA 6.0Gbps Ports

6

Max PCIe Express 3.0 Lanes

24

20

16

Max Intel RST for PCIe Storage Ports（x2 M.2 or x4 M.2）

3

2

The 200 chipset will have a few more PCI-Express gen 3.0 lanes. The chips have 14 downstream PCIe lanes; compared to 10 on the 100-series chipsets for things like Thunderbolt and USB 3.1 controllers and more M.2 slots. In total, PCIe lanes number 30, as opposed to 26 on the 100-series chipset motherboards.

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